Also this line that Professor Ruth writes: "Rather, radicalization increases and lawless and violent people are elevated to positions of extreme power." Sounds like GOP plan if ANY GOP win the WH in 2024. We must mobilize to make sure that they do not & are defeated.
I am really frightened for the people of Israel. Men like Netanyahu will start a civil war just to stay in power. Just like Trump it is all about keeping them out of prison. How anyone can support a person like this is beyond my comprehension.
Unfortunately, the occupation of Palestinian territories has gone on long enough to fatally degrade Israel's civil society and politics. The marginalization and discrimination of a population due to their different heritage, ethnicity, or religion, will, over time, poison those wells.
Israel is now politically fragile, and any attempts to limit settlements or return them to Palestinians for a "2 state solution" would collapse the government and lead to serious, civil violence. Ethnic cleansing of the West Bank or developing an apartheid system are the only choices, which leaves the brutal application of power and autocracy as the only remaining means to continue the existence of the nation.
This is just the Beginning! Ben-Gvir has said a mouth full. I can see violence and even civil war erupting in the Jewish state before this is ever resolved. Its not going to be pretty. Sadly it mirrors similar conditions brewing here in the US, where democracy and its hall mark features like the rule of law are under assault. Strongmen like Bibi and Trump are clamoring for more power and threatening to destroy their country's democracies. Its what authoritarians do. Now is the time of monsters!
When people choose fascism to solve their nation's problems, it's a national sickness. That's what GOP voters did here, but in Israel, they seem to be resisting Netanyahu. I've heard that he's a sociopath. He sure has the cold blooded nature to be one. Sociopathy and fascism go hand in hand.
I’ve read that Netanyahu rarely speaks in Israel as compared to America because he feels he can more easily control and direct American interviewers to buffer himself from punishment and consequences, than he can from Israeli interviewers. He seems to be terrified of Israeli consequences – the Israeli Supreme Court’s watered-down power?
They say Netanyahu influences American interviewers with lies and partial facts, knowing that even the most expert interviewers don’t really understand the legal & political complexities of the type of coup he set in motion less than a year ago in Israel. For example, Netanyahu tells American interviewers that the standards in Israel are the same as the standards in the U.S. Supreme Court for a constitutional amendment such as an overwhelming approval of both Houses of Congress.
Anyway, it’s hard to see what he is getting out of the disproportionate number of interviews between the two countries: U.S. and Israel?
Good point, Diane! I heard him speak with Bari Weiss on her Honestly podcast and he compellingly argued his (self-righteous) justification for his successful return to power as Prime Minister once again. She's a brilliant interviewer and she gave him space to share his reasons for aligning with extreme right wing/terrorist groups but it was disappointing that she didn't push back as much as she usually does with her other interviews.
Here's a link the the podcast, I'm not sure if it will open here but it's definitely worth a listen:
Glad you could open it, Diane! As a secular Jew, I value the importance of an independent Jewish state and the need for Israel to steadfastly protect its borders. Now that I understand him as being a Strongman, his policies of aggression towards Palestinian settlers, etc., creates a very uncomfortable conflict for me in terms of my supporting Israel across the board.
Yes, Trump has the Dark Tetrad personality, consisting of sadism, narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism. They are the most evil, that any human being can be.
Psychopaths/sociopaths wear a mask of normalcy but once they are cornered, the mask comes off and we see the real monster within. Many of these people see others as mere ants beneath their feet.
You might add fascism to the mix. I see these sociopaths not as ‘strongmen,’ but as weak, sick and dangerous who must be removed from society for their safety and ours; as well as for further study.
Sociopaths/psychopaths/fascists will try to have others do their killing for them, via manipulation. Yes, they absolutely need to be removed from society!
Agreed. There were counties in Trump country that voted no. I was surprised. Nov. 24 could be good. I think that we'll win in Congressional Districts that we've never won before or not in a very long time.
Agree, and it could be effective to reframe abortion as Women's Health --- because who can be against that? (just took class on how we should not use their terms (abortion), as it can negate our messaging) ? Another statement was who wants government in their bedroom or bathroom?--who can argue with that?
Rather than ‘get rid of …’ I suggest we institutionalize them for their protection and ours, and for further study; after they’ve been prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Unfortunately, they might be pardoned by the next fascist MAGA GOP pres. an argument for the death penalty which I oppose.
As a former high school theology teacher, I am worried that if the rule of law fails, young people will forgo their integrity to mimic the behaviors of people like Trump and Netanyahu because it works.
Presidential role models are easy to emulate. That why it's such a mistake to allow a sociopathic one like Trump in a role model position. He spreads vices, not virtues. It's exactly what fascism spreads as well.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been following the fascist playbook. As to his conduct, Israelis ought not be surprised: This is what fascism looks like.
scary--
Also this line that Professor Ruth writes: "Rather, radicalization increases and lawless and violent people are elevated to positions of extreme power." Sounds like GOP plan if ANY GOP win the WH in 2024. We must mobilize to make sure that they do not & are defeated.
I am really frightened for the people of Israel. Men like Netanyahu will start a civil war just to stay in power. Just like Trump it is all about keeping them out of prison. How anyone can support a person like this is beyond my comprehension.
Unfortunately, the occupation of Palestinian territories has gone on long enough to fatally degrade Israel's civil society and politics. The marginalization and discrimination of a population due to their different heritage, ethnicity, or religion, will, over time, poison those wells.
Israel is now politically fragile, and any attempts to limit settlements or return them to Palestinians for a "2 state solution" would collapse the government and lead to serious, civil violence. Ethnic cleansing of the West Bank or developing an apartheid system are the only choices, which leaves the brutal application of power and autocracy as the only remaining means to continue the existence of the nation.
Didn’t Jared Kushner bring peace to the Middle East already? ( being sarcastic)
Love the podcast, thanks.
This is just the Beginning! Ben-Gvir has said a mouth full. I can see violence and even civil war erupting in the Jewish state before this is ever resolved. Its not going to be pretty. Sadly it mirrors similar conditions brewing here in the US, where democracy and its hall mark features like the rule of law are under assault. Strongmen like Bibi and Trump are clamoring for more power and threatening to destroy their country's democracies. Its what authoritarians do. Now is the time of monsters!
It’s not only Trump is is the entire REPUBLICAN party.
When people choose fascism to solve their nation's problems, it's a national sickness. That's what GOP voters did here, but in Israel, they seem to be resisting Netanyahu. I've heard that he's a sociopath. He sure has the cold blooded nature to be one. Sociopathy and fascism go hand in hand.
I’ve read that Netanyahu rarely speaks in Israel as compared to America because he feels he can more easily control and direct American interviewers to buffer himself from punishment and consequences, than he can from Israeli interviewers. He seems to be terrified of Israeli consequences – the Israeli Supreme Court’s watered-down power?
They say Netanyahu influences American interviewers with lies and partial facts, knowing that even the most expert interviewers don’t really understand the legal & political complexities of the type of coup he set in motion less than a year ago in Israel. For example, Netanyahu tells American interviewers that the standards in Israel are the same as the standards in the U.S. Supreme Court for a constitutional amendment such as an overwhelming approval of both Houses of Congress.
Anyway, it’s hard to see what he is getting out of the disproportionate number of interviews between the two countries: U.S. and Israel?
Good point, Diane! I heard him speak with Bari Weiss on her Honestly podcast and he compellingly argued his (self-righteous) justification for his successful return to power as Prime Minister once again. She's a brilliant interviewer and she gave him space to share his reasons for aligning with extreme right wing/terrorist groups but it was disappointing that she didn't push back as much as she usually does with her other interviews.
Here's a link the the podcast, I'm not sure if it will open here but it's definitely worth a listen:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6QvbpkRcRwBufebWjTigGz?si=QeeqIIpxS3W1_h04HxSfdg
It opened for me and it is excellent with much more information, Barry! Thank you! thank you!
Glad you could open it, Diane! As a secular Jew, I value the importance of an independent Jewish state and the need for Israel to steadfastly protect its borders. Now that I understand him as being a Strongman, his policies of aggression towards Palestinian settlers, etc., creates a very uncomfortable conflict for me in terms of my supporting Israel across the board.
I view these fascist cult leaders not as ‘strong men,’ but a weak, sick and dangerous men.
Good question. And good questions are so important.
So is Trump- a sociopath, mobbed up criminal, rapist traitor with neurological problems.
Yes, Trump has the Dark Tetrad personality, consisting of sadism, narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism. They are the most evil, that any human being can be.
Well said.
Soooo Let’s take the most dysfunctional guy in the room & make him POTUS. This is our guy!!
Funny not funny.
Psychopaths/sociopaths wear a mask of normalcy but once they are cornered, the mask comes off and we see the real monster within. Many of these people see others as mere ants beneath their feet.
You might add fascism to the mix. I see these sociopaths not as ‘strongmen,’ but as weak, sick and dangerous who must be removed from society for their safety and ours; as well as for further study.
Sociopaths/psychopaths/fascists will try to have others do their killing for them, via manipulation. Yes, they absolutely need to be removed from society!
We have to get rid of the monsters. My Dad and his generation did.
It's doable!
It has to be done. We took a big step in Ohio tonight. I predict that we'll take our state back in Nov.24.
Again, it's doable. The abortion issue is the Democrats secret not so secret weapon!
Agreed. There were counties in Trump country that voted no. I was surprised. Nov. 24 could be good. I think that we'll win in Congressional Districts that we've never won before or not in a very long time.
Sure hope so!
Agree, and it could be effective to reframe abortion as Women's Health --- because who can be against that? (just took class on how we should not use their terms (abortion), as it can negate our messaging) ? Another statement was who wants government in their bedroom or bathroom?--who can argue with that?
Rather than ‘get rid of …’ I suggest we institutionalize them for their protection and ours, and for further study; after they’ve been prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Unfortunately, they might be pardoned by the next fascist MAGA GOP pres. an argument for the death penalty which I oppose.
King Kong on top of the Empire State Building.
This radical, authoritarian movement is everywhere, it seems. People are completely blinded by the propaganda
Agree, I'm grateful Ruth keeps it global. We are all swimming in similar shark-infested waters. Need to support and learn broadly from each other. ?
As a former high school theology teacher, I am worried that if the rule of law fails, young people will forgo their integrity to mimic the behaviors of people like Trump and Netanyahu because it works.
Presidential role models are easy to emulate. That why it's such a mistake to allow a sociopathic one like Trump in a role model position. He spreads vices, not virtues. It's exactly what fascism spreads as well.
Have to keep initiating talking to youth and young adults, all of us ~~
Bi Bi is in serious trouble!! If Mossad is against him, his days may be numbered. An Israeli Civil War would be very ugly.
The Chief of Mossad wants to be on the right side of history. Let's hope that he's an Israeli patriot.
When these types 'leave the good road,' -- they are untethered and do not return to reality. Their thinking becomes seduced.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been following the fascist playbook. As to his conduct, Israelis ought not be surprised: This is what fascism looks like.